Pakistan seeks global investment, reforms spotlighted at MENAP meet

October 16, 2025 (MLN): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, has reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing reforms in taxation, energy, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and privatisation, as part of the government’s long-term economic transformation agenda.

Addressing the MENAP Ministers and Governors Meeting with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the World Bank, IMF Annual Meetings, Aurangzeb said that Pakistan has achieved macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and monetary management.

He expressed satisfaction over the recently concluded Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the IMF and reaffirmed the government’s determination to sustain structural reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable growth.

The finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing digital transformation drive and tariff policy reforms, which are designed to enhance competitiveness, promote exports and attract foreign direct investment.

He also invited investors to explore opportunities in minerals, mining, digital infrastructure, agriculture, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

During the visit, Aurangzeb also participated in the Citi Macro Forum, organised by Citibank, alongside the Finance Secretary and the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

He briefed international investors on Pakistan’s fiscal, monetary and external sector developments, noting the positive momentum driven by tight monetary discipline and stabilisation measures.

Aurangzeb also held a series of meetings with officials from the U.S. government, IMF, World Bank, Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), and prominent global investors.

In his discussions with White House officials Emory Cox, Ricky Gill, and Pierre Yared, he explored ways to deepen Pakistan-U.S. trade and economic cooperation, particularly in energy, agriculture, technology, and digital assets.

Expressing gratitude to the United States for its support following the devastating floods, the minister later met SFD CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, reaffirming the strong Pakistan-Saudi partnership.

Both sides discussed potential collaboration on key infrastructure projects, including the Hyderabad–Sukkur Motorway, ML-1 rail project, skills development, and IT infrastructure initiatives.

In his meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Clarke, Aurangzeb appreciated the Fund’s continued support under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST).

At the G-24 meeting, he stressed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability and advancing regional trade and climate cooperation.

Meanwhile, in talks with World Bank Vice President Ousmane Dione, he reviewed progress on the Country Partnership Framework and sought enhanced assistance for flood resilience and mitigation programs.

Aurangzeb also met Mashreq Bank CEO Ahmed Abdelaal, welcoming the bank’s entry into the Pakistani market and reaffirming the government’s goal to foster a robust and innovative financial ecosystem.

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